Krka Waterfalls National Park

The Krka National Park in Dalmatia is a spacious,
largely unchanged region of exceptional and multifaceted natural value.
The 142 sq km area 10 km inland from Sibenik was proclaimed a national
park in January 1985. There are entrances to the park at Lozovac,
Skradin and Roski Slap.

The Skradin entrance involves a free boat ride to
Skradinski Buk and there are also boat excursions on offer to Visovac
Island, Roski Slap, Krka Monastery and the early Croatian fortresses of
Trosenj and Nečven. The time to visit Krka is in summer when the
Mediterranean heat is counteracted by the presence of the river and
waterfalls; in winter it is likely to be wet and some of the park at
least will not be open.

With its seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 242 metres, the
Krka River is a natural and karstic phenomenon. Over thousands of years
Krka’s limestone rock has been formed into a series of gorges and
waterfalls by the dissolving action of carbon dioxide and water on the
carbonate rock. There is also an extensive system of underground
waterways through potholes and caves. Skradinski Buk (pictures) is the
longest travertine barrier on the Krka River, and one of the most famous
natural beauties of Croatia. It consists of a large clear natural pool
with 17 waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. Sightseeing at
Skradinski Buk is possible, owing to a network of paths and bridges that
permits pleasant and safe walking. The water below Skradinski Buk is in
fact seawater, owing to the “ria” or mouth of the river being submerged
when the Adriatic sea-level rose after the last ice age.

As well as the fascination of the landscape, the park is
ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers in general, with 222 bird
species having been identified as resident, including ospreys and
several species of eagle. There is also a hawk training centre (the only
one in Croatia) where you can watch birds of prey being put through
their paces by the trainers. Those visitors interested in plants will
find much to discover too, as 860 species have been identified within
the park. There is a restaurant, souvenir shop and an ethno museum in
one of the old mill buildings. On Visovac Island, which you can visit,
there is a monastery founded by Franciscans in 1445, and within the park
there is also an Eastern Orthodox monastery dating from 1345, although
it was rebuilt in the 18th century.
Krka National Park is open from 09.00 to 18.00, and for those who want
to stay nearby, there is accommodation in the town of Skradin.